Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Do you ever wish that there were more hours in the day? I sure do. Can you imagine the things that we could accomplished in all that extra time? More hours would equal more productivity and a chance to do the things we really like. I know I've been a stranger to blogging lately, I promise though that big things are coming and change is a paw..i mean afoot. (hint hint) I just need to find make the time!

Friday, June 22, 2012

Happy Friday everyone! I'm back stateside and I can't wait to share all my photos from the Philippines! But first, to get back into the swing of things, I wanted to share a video that Morgan and I shot for our friend Jihan. Last month, she celebrated her first year of living in Los Angeles and took a group of us to some of her absolute favorite spots around the city. Did I mention that there were sparklers and pie involved?

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

And I'm off! From LAX, it's a twelve hour flight to Japan and then another five hours from Japan to Manila. I get a little nervous on flights but I have my Xanax and the last two Hunger Games on audio books so I think i'll be okay. Also, my friend Yumi just informed me that the booze might be free on All Nippon Airways so that's a plus. Winkeland will be going on a two week hiatus but I will be instagraming the heck out out of my adventures here! Tootles!

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Have any of you ever traveled without your significant other? I'll be gone for two weeks and I'm kind of scared to leave Morgan here alone. The last time he was left to his own devices, he ended up having video game marathons where shaving, showering and eating healthy literally became nonexistent. Before my flight tomorrow, I'm trying to make sure the house is clean and the fridge is stocked with easy microwavable foods and snacks. That way, he'll be all set in my absence!

Friday, May 25, 2012

You're pretty much looking at my arsenal of cameras for the Philippines. Actually, for the past couple of weeks, deciding on which cameras to pack and which to leave behind has become the million dollar question here at the Finley apartment. Should I bring my Canon SLR? Should I not? Also, the only lens we have right now for the Canon is a 50mm which is great for shooting portraits but not so great for shooting landscapes. When I started thinking about possibly borrowing/renting lenses, it turned into this BIG thing! Then I started thinking about getting one of those Nikon point and shoot cameras with the interchangeable lenses (regrettably the one that Ashton Kutcher endorses) but that would have run around $1,000 so that was a no-brainer. It also came down to whether or not I wanted a hassle-free trip. With these little guys, I won't have to deal with the size of an SLR and it's heightened security precautions and I would have the freedom to travel more light and efficient. Heck, I can even take 8mm video with my iPhone thanks to this little app!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

I'm still not sure how, amidst everything that has been going on this month, I was able to throw in some sweet craft time. Between Ban.do, FIDM, Musicians Institute, and working weekends with Sweet Emilia Jane, you would think that all I would want to do on my downtime would be to sleep....Nope. I'm proud to introduce a few more additions to my wreath line. I'm also really excited because I think I may have found a booth buddy for this years Holiday Renegade Craft Fair!

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

My trip to the Philippines is less than a month away and I can't stop thinking about my long flight across the Pacific. Between my layover in Japan and flight time, it'll take me almost a full day to reach Manila. I'm already making lists of possible movies, games and books I can load onto my iPad to keep my travel anxiety at bay. I also got to thinking about other possible items to pack on my carry on. I'm not really high maintenance, but these items sure would help make my trip more delightful, that's for sure.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

I've been a very bad blogger this week. In my defense, here's what's been going on. Last week, I started freelancing for FIDM's Publications Department. It still feel strange saying that! I essentially left my desk job for a position that requires me to be creative 24/7 which means I have been splitting my time between Ban.do, FIDM and my old job. I think I'm still trying to get use to my new schedule and this freelance business which is why I haven't blogged for awhile. I know it's just going to get easier with time but I'm going to have to force myself to make time for certain things. I also have to remember to keep moving forward and onward.

Yesterday was the last day to enter the "Pin It To Win It" contest put on by Kate Spade New York and Vespa USA. To enter, all you had to do was create a pin board titled "Ride Colorfully" and pin 20 or more photos that best described where you would go on your new Vespa. Here's a peak at what my board looked like. Crossing my fingers that one of these babies has my name on it!

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Where can you get sweet roasted corn, confetti ice cream, and pressed apple cider all in one place? The Avila Barn, that's where! Did I mention they also have awesome barn animals and tractor rides? We lucked out and caught the Barn on a slow day and it wasn't too crowded. However, their picking season doesn't start until Mayso I'm alreadyplanning to come back in the next few months to pick fresh cherries, strawberries and olallie berries for another run at jam making!

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Whether you went this year or not, there's no denying that Coachella has become a beacon for the fashion forward. Here's a quick roundup of my absolute faves this year. And, I would like to say the following: You go Melanie Griffith in those fabulous floral pants. Also, Dita Von Teese is judging you.

Monday, April 23, 2012

I've been interning at Ban.do for about 6 weeks and I abosolutley love it. Who wouldn't love going into an extremely fun studio three days a week? Not to mention, I get to hang out with awesome and extremely talented girls! I suppose I do help out where I can too. I'm contributing to their blog with posts like this and this. I also got to take some behind the scenes photos at their photo shoot seen hereand here. I also helped in writing up little descriptions of their new products for their online shop! How awesome is that? Oh, and if you haven't checked out their new line yet, what are you waiting for? You can find all their new loot here!

Friday, April 13, 2012

Happy Friday the 13th! Morgan and I are headed out to the Central Coast this weekend. I feel like being outdoorsy so I'm hoping to go on some beautiful hikes and maybe a couple wine tastings! We rented out our place for the weekend so we have to hit the road, but if you are staying in LA, take advantage of the city while everyone's away at Coachella. You know that hipster bar down the street will be empty!

I've worked across the street from a Forever 21 for three years and I've amassed quite a collection of polyester blend dresses and blouses. While they're a-okay for the temperate weather in Los Angeles, I'm not sure they're going to fly in the Philippines. My travels happen to coincide with their monsoon season which means that the heat and humidity will be at it's highest. All I can say is thank God I grew up in the desert and love the heat! Anyway, I'm thinking that most of my wardrobe should consist of lightweight, cotton pieces that can breathe. I really don't feel like being that one smelly American in an overcrowded jeepney. Am I right?

Thursday, April 12, 2012

I don't even care if I'm late to the party, these paintings by Will Cotton are incredible! I happened upon these yesterday and haven't been able to stop looking at them. They're classic, modern, sweet, whimsy, and sexy all at the same time. I'm dying over the sugar crystal tiara and bodice in the third photo!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Here's a little Easter roundup to brighten your not-so-sunny-and-in-fact-raining Los Angeles morning. I spent last weekend in Palm Springs at my dad's restaurant helping him out with a large Easter brunch he was hosting. I also consumed handfuls of old fashioned jelly beans. It was pretty awesome.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

If you're familiar with my aesthetic, it's not hard to see why I love Daiso. Everything is $1.50 and they carry most of my basic essentials! I'm serious when I say that's not even the best part. The best part is...wait for it....everything is super girly and the likelihood of things being pink and having hearts on them is extremely high!

Until recently, I've only known one to exist in Northern California. My dreams came true earlier this month when they opened a store by Redondo Beach. It's still pretty packed on the weekends but I'm planning to go at least one month to satiate my crafting and stationary needs. Also, they were sold out of their ziplock sandwich baggies that had this really cute strawberry print on it...so yea... i'll have to go back for those....

Thursday, March 29, 2012

One of the best things about having Ban.do's Jen Gotch as a boss is that she likes to do fun things like this! She and Bri from Design Love Fest hosted a DIY Craft Event at Anthropologie where you got to make your own inspiration string. They were well stocked in the essentials: mini heart balloons, glitter sequins, neon card stock and gold doilies! Anthro also served up yummy snacks that included virgin mojitos and tasty macaroons!

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

I have to admit, I was a little nervous about posting these on Winkeland. But, seeing as how I love them so much, I figure...what the hell! A while back, I was thinking about possible gifts for Morgan's birthday when my friendCarly(who is photographed above and who is also a member of the Pinup Angels) told me about Girlie Show Photography. It's a super fun, feminine pinup studio in Huntington Beach. They offer professional hair, makeup and costume options depending on the package you get. Owner Keesha Langdon is not only fantastic with that camera of hers but she has a genuine talent of making woman feel comfortable and sexy...even though they might feel ridiculous and awkward in a tin wash tub.

Monday, March 26, 2012

With very little hesitation, Morgan and I decided to apply for a chance to take a Creative Livecourse with Jasmine Star. If you’re into photography and need help in creating a well rounded business, she’s your gal! The course will be on the making and marketing of an editorial wedding and will be held in Seattle over the course of three days in late April. We recently had the amazing opportunity to meet Jasmine in person at The Fix and would seriously die if we were chosen. We shot this video in our apartment using an external microphone and our iphones. Wish us luck!

Sunday, March 18, 2012

I know it's a little late but here are a couple vignettes from my weekend. For the past couple of years, I've been obsessed with the thought of going out on St. Patrick's Day for a green beer.Well folks, this weekend I had my first. It was actually just beer and food coloring but I thought it tasted extra special.I also fashioned my first green ornament wreath inspired by St. Patrick's Day! On top of these monumental events, I finished my first week at Ban.do!It's amazing how fast the day flies by when you're doing something that makes you happy. I'm still trying to get use to this topsy turvy schedule. I've been so accustomed to a 9-5, it feels weird driving across town at lunch hour.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

On Monday I started an internship with Ban.do! If you read my blog, you’re probably already familiar with the brand and the ladies behind it.In fact, you’re probably wearing at least two of their pom pom flowers somewhere on your person. In any case, I feel extremely lucky to have been given this opportunity to work with such creative women in an environment where glitter and funfetti reign supreme.

Accepting this position turned out to be one of the hardest (but necessary) decisions of my career. I know this may sound overly dramatic coming from someone who second-guesses herself at least 10 times a day, but trust me when I say that it’s not. Straying from a stable job with benefits into an internship where I donate my time is something that I’m going to have to adjust to financially and mentally. To learn how to bounce back and make things, well…just work, has become my new motto.Someone once told me that, “if you leap, a net will appear.” When or where this figurative “net” will come to my rescue remains to be seen. However, I know I’m going to have to take ownership of this so-called net and help make my own one appear.And, despite the fact that I’m bracing for rough waters ahead, I can’t help but smile at all the new possibilities that have opened up and a sense that I’m getting closer to a career that makes me happy.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Last weekend, a couple of friends and I spent the weekend in Palm Springs at the newly renovated Saguaro Hotel. It’s conveniently located between the Ace and the Parker (if you’re thinking about pool hopping). They offer free bike rentals and a shuttle that takes you to the Downtown area. On Sunday mornings, they offer a 9 AM yoga class on the main lawn by the pool. The class felt a little introductory to me so my hopes are that they begin offering intermediate and advanced yoga sessions earlier in the morning so you’re not distracted by people starting to stir from their rooms.Our room had chic, brand new amenities and but still smelled a little like fresh paint (which was expected as they just opened in February). The pool area was very inviting with their bright yellow recliners and bright pink towels. They also offered flavored waters all around the hotel which was nice. Tinto, the hotel’s Spanish style tapas restaurant, was amazing. Both Tinto and El Jefe(the lobby’s margarita bar) are helmed by Iron Chef Jose Garces and are his first two restaurants in California. I recommend the Chefs tasting menu. Its 55 dollars and you will not be disappointed. If you’re a foodie, who loves design and who needs a little R&R, you’ll love this hotel!

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

So what were in those swag bags at The Cream anyway? I decided to break out new light box and shoot the loot so to speak! I think my favorite items were the truffle plate from BHLDN and the boutonniere from Twig and Twine. However, I have a feeling that i'm going to like the jams from both The Flashdance and J and R Foods.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Look what Morgan sent me last Friday for my birthday! My very own Geronimo balloon! I’ve been obsessed with Geronimo’s whimsical balloons ever since they first made appearance in LA in 2011. It was made even extra special when Jihan, the girl behind Geronimo, hand delivered it! I was in such a shock, I forgot to tell her that she’s on my screen saver…embarrassing and nerdy I know. The balloon is spectacular and even more stunning in real life if you can believe it. Every time I look at it, it makes me feel sublimely special and extremely lucky that I have one hell of a guy!